Fair Work Ombudsman
Citation: FWO-2024-02-14-gungahlin-and-queanbeyan-food-precincts-media-release
At a glance
- Penalty
- $680,000
What happened
The Fair Work Ombudsman is conducting surprise inspections of approximately 20 food businesses in Gungahlin and Queanbeyan, New South Wales. These inspections are part of a national program targeting food precincts. They are responding to intelligence suggesting potential underpayments of employees. The businesses are primarily 'cheap eats' venues and often employ vulnerable workers like visa holders and young people. Inspectors are speaking with business owners, managers, and employees and reviewing records.
What was decided
The Fair Work Ombudsman is inspecting businesses to ensure employees receive correct pay and entitlements. They have previously recovered over $680,000 in unpaid wages in Melbourne. Enforcement action will be taken if workplace laws are not followed. The inspections are part of a broader program targeting food precincts across Australia. The Ombudsman encourages workers to report concerns and employers to utilise available resources.
What it means for employers
Employers in the food and restaurant sector should review their payroll practices to ensure compliance with workplace laws. This includes paying correct base rates, overtime, penalty rates, and providing payslips. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides free tools and resources for employers to assist with this. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action.
What it means for employees
Employees in the food and restaurant sector, particularly young workers and visa holders, should be aware of their workplace rights. They are encouraged to report any concerns about wages or entitlements to the Fair Work Ombudsman, anonymously if preferred. Interpreter services are available.
Every statement above is drawn from the published decision. Read the original here:
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/2024-media-releases/february-2024/20240214-gungahlin-and-queanbeyan-food-precincts-media-releaseWant more cases like this?
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This summary was drafted by AI from the published decision and reviewed before publishing. It is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, speak to the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified lawyer. About these summaries & corrections →